Comparison of Research Title

 

Professional Research Series

(APM – 310-4)

Project (e.g., Scientist) Series

APM – 311-4
Specialist Series

(APM – 330-4) (UCD – 330)
Objective Engage directly in independent research Make significant and creative contributions to a research project in the sciences or other areas such as history or art. Provide technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment) in the planning and execution of a research project.
Independence Function as independent investigators and have the major responsibility and leadership for their research programs. The ability to sustain an independent research program is a necessary but not sufficient criterion for the title of Research (e.g., Physicist). May be ongoing members of a research team or may be employed for a limited period of time to contribute high-level skills to a specific research or creative program.Not required to have or develop an independent research program, but may work independently.Ordinarily will carry out research or creative programs with supervision of a member of the Professorial or Professional Research series. May be ongoing members of a research team or may be employed for a limited period of time to contribute technical or specialized skills to a specific research or teaching program.  May contribute skills to multiple projects.Will contribute to research programs under the direction of a Director of an MRU/ORU or a member of the Professorial, Professional Research, or Project (e.g., Scientist) series.
PI Status Normally will be PIs.Appointments to the title of Research (e.g., Physicist) may be made to individuals who are not PIs, if they satisfy the research qualifications and accomplishments equivalent to those in the Professorial ranks.  Typically, these appointees will be funded from a large center or program project grants on which many independent investigators are working or they will hold a Visiting title. Consistent with campus policy, may not serve as PIs but may serve as Co-PIs with members of the Professorial or Professional Research series.  The Chancellor may grant an exception to allow an appointee to be a PI.  The award of PI status does not in itself justify an appointment to the Professional Research series. Not expected.
Differences between series The ability to secure funding does not automatically qualify individuals for appointments to the Professional Research series. Do not demonstrate the same capacity for fully independent research or research leadership required of the Professional Research and Professorial series.Expected to have a broader range of knowledge and competency and a higher level of independence than appointees in the Specialist series. Perform work more technical in nature and need not have as broad a range of knowledge and competency or execute original research as do appointees in the Project (e.g., Scientist) series.The Specialist series is not an entry level into the Project (e.g., Scientist) series.